The "Guest Harbour" with the famous office building Lilla Bommen 1, jokingly referred to as the Lipstick building, in the background

Gothenburg[1] (Swedish: Göteborg, pronounced "Yeutebory") is the second largest city in Sweden with approximately 500,000 inhabitants (2008) in the municipality. It is situated on Sweden's west coast at the outlet of the Göta river. With over 60,000 students Gothenburg University is the largest in Scandinavia. Gothenburg has a reputation of being a friendly place, even more welcoming than the Swedish capital.

Understand

With neighboring provinces Halland and Bohuslän under Danish rule, the Göta River used to be Sweden's only western port, since the 14th century guarded by a fort named Älvsborg.

The city of Gothenburg was founded in 1621 by King, Gustav II Adolf, during the height of the Swedish Empire. It was once the center of the Swedish ship-building industry, but with rising competition from foreign ship yards, many of the dry docks closed down during the late 20th century. Much of the inner harbor area has changed from industrial ship building to high technology and education, representative of the general change in the city. Today Gothenburg has both international sporting events, concerts, and conventions as well as a small town feel.

An industrial town, Gothenburg has been a stronghold of the Social Democratic Party.

People

The working-class history is easily visible, for example in the harbour area. Traditionally there has been few fashion houses or posh cafeterias, but that has changed in recent years with the reconstruction of the indoor malls in the city centre and with the opening of quite a number of American-styled coffee shops. In the city centre, where the university is located, there are many students.

The intonation (which is however neither a dialect nor an accent) of the Gothenburgers is, for other Swedes, associated with cheerfulness and witty humour.

Christine Church and the Town Hall

Tourist information

There are two tourist information offices in central Gothenburg - one in the Nordstan shopping center (next to the central train station) and one on Kungsportsplatsen about ten minutes walk from Nordstan. Gothenburg's official tourist website [2] is another source of information. They offer the Gothenburg City Pass which allows entry into many tourist attractions, grand houses, museums as well as offering free travel on trams and buses and free parking. Recently, this pass was made available to people's mobile phones making it not only the most cost effective means of sight seeing but also the most convenient.

In case official tourist information is unavailable, Gothenburgers are usually more than willing to help.

Get in

By plane

There is a Flygbussarna [8] bus service into the city which runs every 20 minutes, costs 89 SEK one way (177 SEK return) if bought online (otherwise 10 SEK extra), and the journey takes 30 minutes. It stops at several locations (first stop near Liseberg; final stop: the Nils Ericson Bus terminal where the Central Train Station is).

A much cheaper option is taking local bus 511, which runs every 30 minutes to Landvetter centrum, from where a suburban bus, Röd Express, connects to the central station, stopping at the same places as Flybussarna en route. Total travel time is 45 minutes and the price 58 SEK (44 SEK for people under 20).

Gothenburg City Airport (IATA: GSE) [9] was previously known as Säve Airport. This is definitely in the 'small' category of airport, and you should expect to wait a while for your bags. It is closer to Gothenburg than Landvetter. Ryanair [10], Wizz Air [11] and Gotlandsflyg [12] are the only airlines that use it, connecting to cities such as Budapest, Edinburgh, London, Milan (Bergamo), Rome and Warsaw. (Book online ahead of time).

Alternatively, there is a bus stop at Högstena, 500 metres from the terminal, from where local bus 36 goes to Vågmästareplatsen, where you can change to a tram to get to the central station. This takes 35 minutes in total and costs 24 SEK (18 SEK for people under 20).

By train

Centralstationen (tram Centralstationen/Drottningtorget) is the main rail station in Gothenburg. International train services are available to Copenhagen via the Öresund bridge, and Oslo. Highspeed trains connect with Stockholm in just over three hours. Note: Trains from Gothenburg to Copenhagen airport (CPH) are very unreliable and services can be cancelled with a myriad of excuses, always make sure there is atleast one extra train service that will get you to your connecting flight, or take the overnight bus to CPH, do not rely on the train to CPH airport

A daily night train connects with the northern Swedish cities of Luleå and Umeå.

Also, a new private luxury train named Blå Tåget[14] travels the route Gothenburg-Stockholm-Uppsala daily except Fridays. Journey times are longer than SJ fast-trains but the train boasts generous seating, free WiFi and includes an onboard restaurant.

By car

The roads E6, E20 and E45 pass through Gothenburg. If you come by car from Stockholm, you should take E4 to Jönköping, and then national road 40.

Be aware that parking in Gothenburg can be difficult and expensive, as free parking is rarely found. Prices per hour vary between 7 different zones and can be as high as 25 SEK per hour. Free parking is however included in the Gothenburg pass [15] if you happen to own one. From January 2013 there is a congestion pricing inside the city for all cars from Sweden, which means that you have to pay 8, 13 or 18 SEK each time you pass one of the borders, depending on the time [16]. Your number plate will be recognized by cameras above you. You don't pay between 18:30 and 5:59 and on Saturdays and Sundays.

By bus

Several coach services operate in and out of Gothenburg including Eurolines [17], Säfflebussen [18] GoByBus [19] Bus4you [20] and Swebus Express [21]. Nils Ericsson Terminalen, located in connection with the central station, is the most common bus stop.

By ship

DFDS Torline[23] is a cargo line with limited passenger capacity. They can take a small number of passengers (and their car) to Gothenburg from Belgium (Ghent) and United Kingdom (Immingham and Tilbury).

Get around

Public transportation within Gothenburg (and the west of Sweden) is operated by Västtrafik [24] and consists of trams, buses and ferries. You can find more information about tickets and a journey planner on their homepage.

Public transport in Gothenburg can be very slow: For example, to cross one side of the city to the other can take up to an hour (to cross 10km). However, inside the central area, transport is fairly rapid.

The local transport company (Västtrafik) have removed maps from just about all tram stops, be prepared, have a map ready before you get here.

Västtrafik's ticket system

Since 1 December 2009 you cannot buy tickets from the driver on any buses or trams in the Västtrafik system.
From February 2013 you have to sign up for SMS tickets before you buy them. Register here.
(All prices actualized March 2013)

1, 3 or 30 day ticket

Tourists and others planning to travel everyday are advised to buy a 1, 3 or 30 day ticket. A blue card called the Västtrafik card is charged with ticket information. They are bought at Västtrafik's service centres or from seven-eleven or Pressbyrån or some other stores. They cost 75 kr (1 day), 150 kr (3 days) and 505 kr (30 days) inside Gothenburg. One can also buy a tourist card from the tourist office which is valid as a tram/bus ticket and for museum entrance fees etc. More info on tourist tickets.

5 trips card

You could also get a five trips card, valid for exactly five trips for 93 kr. More information

Single ticket

If you only travel occasionally, you can either buy tickets at 7-eleven, the Västtrafik "Tidpunkten" customer service centers, the Pressbyrån shops, from the blue ticket machines on the trams - which accepts coins or major credit cards, or via sms if you have a Swedish mobile phone account. During daytime the cost is 24 SEK for an adult within the city zone. During night time you usually pay double the normal price.

Prepaid card

If you will be travelling more often it might be a good idea to buy a prepaid västtrafik card that also gives a discount. This card can be charged with any amount at a time until the card contains a maximum of 1500 SEK. In addition you must pay a 50 SEK deposit which can be used in part to pay for your trip, but if any of the deposit money is used, another trip cannot be made until you recharge the card again. If you return the card to a Västtrafik service center the deposit will be refunded to you.

If you travel within one zone a fixed price is deducted from your card, which is SEK 18.60 for an adult within the Gothenburg zone. If you travel across a zone border the journey will be more expensive. With the exception of the southern part of tram no. 4 (all stops from Krokslätts Torg to Mölndals Centrum) the entire tram system lies within the Göteborg municipality.

The card is used by holding it to one of the card readers in the vehicle when you board. If you intend to travel in more than one zone you must press the + button on the card reader before showing it. When you leave the vehicle show it again to the reader (otherwise, you will be charged for a journey to the terminal destination of the bus/tram). If you are not sure if you cross a zone, you can always press + before and check out afterwards as the system will then always deduct the correct amount and you will not have to bother about the zones.

The Västtrafik card can be bought from Västtrafik's service centres or from most convenience stores.

You can change freely between buses, ferries and trams 90 minutes after you first used your ticket. If you traveled in more than one zone the 90 minutes time will count from the time you disembarked in the last zone. When travelling between zones, remember to always check in and touch out on each separate vehicle - otherwise you will be charged for each as separate journeys.

One should know that it might seem easy to get on one of the buses or trams without a valid ticket, but if a biljettkontrollant (ticket controller) would find out, you will be charged with a fee of 1200 SEK.
Warning, they can get pretty violent so you better have a ticket to show them when they ask.

By tram

Gothenburg has a famous network of trams that covers most of the city. With over 150 km the Gothenburg tram is the largest light rail network in Scandinavia.
The network consists of 12 tram lines, 1 to 11 and 13, and every line except no 8 passes through the main tram stop Brunnsparken ('Well Park'). It is located one tram stop or a 2 minute walk from the train station, Centralstationen. The trams runs approximately every 8-10 minutes during daylight and twice every hour at night, at weekends the trams run every 15-30 minutes. Notice that not all lines runs nighttime.
This and the boats Paddan (operating from Kungsportsplatsen) is the best way to see the city as they run above ground at a comfortable yet quick pace.

By bus

Trams are the most efficient way to travel within the city centre, but if you're planning to go further you might need to go by bus. Bus lines heading in the same direction often departs from the same part of the city. No real equivalent thing to the tram stop Brunnsparken exists - they are divided into several "smaller" hubs, which you often reach by tram.

By ferry

Two ferry services run across the river; Älvsnabben is the regular ferry service with traffic every thirty minutes, and Älvsnabbare that only run between Rosenlund and Lindholmspiren (free of charge) during work hours. Besides transport, this can be a good way to see the city from the river.

Ferries to the southern archipelago run from Saltholmen, with three different lines: Vrångö line, Brännö Rödsten line and the less trafficated Förö line. The service runs once an hour or less.

Styrsöbolaget [28] run the ferry services under licence of Västtrafik - you can still use the city public transport ticket. On their homepage can you find time tables and more information about the islands.

By taxi

There are several taxi companies, for example Taxi Göteborg (031-650000), Taxi Kurir (031-272727) and Minitaxi (031-140140). Initial fare from 35 SEK, and then from 10 to 14 SEK/km. Every taxi must have comparing prices well visible according to law, example: [29] and it's often placed in the window. No 1 is daytime, no 2 is rush hour and no 3 is for night time service, and then you see the initial fare, price per hour, price per kilometre and comparing prices for a typical journey.

Illegal taxis, called "svarttaxi", are operating, particularly during Friday and Saturday nights. They are recognized by the anonymous paint jobs and the lack of a meter. They are generally cheaper, but using them is not advised, particularly for women or drunk passengers, since muggings and rapes have occurred involving illegal taxis.

By bicycle

Gothenburg has a nice network of bicycle paths, reaching all parts of the city. You can buy network maps at the tourist information centres, and you can find an online version below.[30]

You can bring your bike on the ferries, on some trains but not on trams or buses. The service is free on Älvsnabben but cost 10 SEK on the ferries in the southern archipelago.

You can rent a bike from Cykelkungen [31] or if you are staying at a hostel they can often provide it for you.

In the most central parts there are an automated loan bike system [32], by reserving an amount on your credit card they are free to use. The bikes are supposed to be used for only 30 minutes and then replaced in another place.

By foot

With a compact city centre most sights are easily reached by foot, and it's a nice way to get around.

Popular walks around the city includes the nature reserve around the lake Delsjön, the park Slottskogen, the botanical garden, on any of the islands in the southern archipelago, or in the neighborhood Haga.

See

Skansen Kronan (Crown Keep) is a hilltop fortification, southwest of the city center, built in the 17th century. In the 19th century it served as a prison, and now houses a military museum. Its twin Skansen Lejonet (Lion Keep) unfortunately finds itself in the middle of a railroad and industrial area but guided tours are held the first and third Sunday of every month.

Close to Skansen Kronan is Haga, a city district with picturesque wooden houses from the 19th century. Don't forget to explore the more bohemian Långgatan streets (Första, Andra, Tredje and Fjärde Långgatan) nearby.

The indoor Fish Market, called "Feskekôrka" (Fish Church) because of the shape of the building, is located by the canal near the harbor.

Museums

The Skansen Kronan is positioned atop a steep hill in the city's centre

Gothenburg Art Museum (Göteborgs Konstmuseum), Götaplatsen, [34]. Housed in a magnificent edifice flanked by the theater and concert hall, it features a world-class collection of Nordic art. The adjacent Hasselblad Center[35] periodically holds public exhibitions, and the Art Hall (free entrance) [36] features contemporary art.

Gothenburg City Museum (Göteborgs Stadsmuseum), Norra Hamngatan 12, [37]. Covers the history of the city and region from prehistoric times to the present, with emphasis on the 19th-century Swedish East India Company, which was once housed in the building.

Universeum, Södra Vägen 50 (Liseberg), [38]. A new museum focusing on the environment with an indoor rainforest, experiment workshop etc.

Museum of World Culture, Södra Vägen 54 (Liseberg), [39]. A cultural counterpart to the science-oriented Universeum, it's a museum of ethnography and anthropology, with a thoroughly contemporary approach. There are regular special events such as concerts, films, and lectures. Free entrance to some of the museum's exhibits.

Maritiman, Packhuskajen 8½, [40]. "The world's biggest floating museum of ships" consists of 19 boats of all sizes. The biggest attraction is the former military destroyer Småland.

Maritime Museum, Stigbergstorget, Majorna, explains the maritime history of Gothenburg, West Sweden and of the fishing industry; has models of sailing ships. There is a lookout, in pillar of the "Seamans wife", just by the museum where you can view the harbour.

Gothenburg Natural History Museum, Slottsskogen (Linnéplatsen), [41]. The oldest museum in Gothenburg includes a stuffed blue whale and is situated in Slottsskogen.

Volvo Museum, Hisingen, [42]. Yes of course, in the home town of Volvo you can view the past and present models of the Swedish car.

The Röhsska Museum, [43]. The national museum of Swedish design and applied art.

Kviberg Military Museum, [45] at the former Artillery Regiment at Kviberg shows guns and equipment of the Artillery and the Anti Aircraft Artillery. Opening hours: June to August, Tuesday and Wednesday 12PM-2PM. Rest of the year Tuesday to Thursday 12PM-2PM. First Thursday of every month except January 5PM-7PM.

KA 4 Museum and the Fort of Oskar II. A museum at the former Coast Artillery Regiment at Käringberget. Irregular opening hours.

Aeroseum, at Säve Depå [46], is an aircraft museum in a former military under ground Air Force base. It's located on the Hisingen bypass (Hisingeleden), at the opposite side of the airstrip to Gothenburg City Airport. Also home of the annual Göteborg Aero Show and other events.

Historical buildings

Gothenburg Cathedral, Västra Hamngatan. Built in 1815.

Christinae Church (German Church), Norra Hamngatan. Built in 1748.

Crown House (Kronhuset), Postgatan. Built in 1643-1655, and briefly home of the Swedish Parliament. It currently houses Göteborgs Musik, and the surrounding buildings are now cafes and crafts workshops.

Oscar Fredrik Church, Värmlandsgatan. The largest and most well decorated church. Built 1893.

The Botanical Garden in the spring

Parks and Gardens

Slottsskogen, tram stop Linnéplatsen, a big English garden close to the botanical gardens and a popular spot for relaxing and picnics. Within the park you'll find the Museum of Natural History, an observatory, a mini golf course, and a children's zoo. Slottsskogen is famed for its valley with over 60 different kinds of Azalea that bloom during early summer.

Botaniska Trädgården (Botanical Gardens), Carl Skottbergs gata 22, ☎+46 31 741 11 00, [47]. 9AM-sundown. Built in 1923, Botaniska Trädgården has an area of 175 hectares and, in 2003, was elected the most beautiful garden in Sweden. It contains a rock garden, arboretum and green houses, along with a restaurant and café. Don't miss the rare Easter Island tree.Free entrance, except for the greenhouse.

Trädgårdsföreningen, [48]. A picturesque garden in the city centre with a very nice collection of roses awarded with three stars in the Guide Michelin. No entrance fee during off season, otherwise 20 SEK.

Itineraries

Do

Liseberg, [49]. The biggest amusement park in all of Scandinavia, with lots of different rides for all ages. Be sure to try Balder, the new wooden roller-coaster. Liseberg is the number one attraction, by number of visitors, in Sweden.

The Swedish Ship Götheborg[50]. A reconstruction of the mid-18th century east indiaman Götheborg. During summer the ship is open for visits at Stenpiren close to the city center.

The Paddan tourist boats [51] run in the city canals and in the harbour.

In summer, you can go canoeing in or walking around the lake Delsjön. Only 6 km from city center, it can be a good way to experience nature.

Lisebergslinjen[52] is a vintage tram line that runs during summer from the central station to Liseberg. Prices: Adults 20 SEK, Children 10 SEK, Small children Free.

Börjessons, [53]. Does tourist boat tours in the archipelago every day in the summer and is very popular.

Southern Archipelago. For a low price one can visit the islands in the southern archipelago with regular passenger boats. These islands are car free and very picturesque. The boats go from the tram stop "Saltholmen". Note that it is difficult to park there. Tram tickets are valid on the boat too.

Charter a Sailing Yacht sBoats.com [54] or yachtbooker.com [55] give you independent information on how to find a yacht charter in Gothenburg.

Göteborg Opera House[56], at the Packhuskajen quay in central Göteborg. One of the world's most modern opera houses.

The square at the top of Avenyn is the location of the magnificent Gothenburg Concert Hall and the city's drama theatre.

Guldhedstornet[57]. May till October. At 130 meters above sea-level this is the highest point and the highest café in Gothenburg. Sitting inside with a panorama view, or outside on the balcony, you get a view of the downtown, the old and new harbors, the Göta Älv River, the sea (Kattegat), the archipelago, the suburbs and the hilly, forested areas surrounding the city.

Learn

Gothenburg is Northern Europe's largest university city with over 60,000 students.

Gothenburg University[58]. In its current form since 1954, Gothenburg University offers higher education in a large number of areas. International students are offered both programmes and independent courses in English.

The Gothenburg University contains such faculties as:

School of Business, Economics and Law

Sahlgrenska University Hospital (both hospital and medical school)

Valand School of Fine Arts

Chalmers University of Technology, [59]. Founded in 1829, Chalmers offers education in engineering and architecture. International students can apply for one of the almost 50 different master's programmes taught in English.

The Chalmers University of Technology is in Johanneberg 2 km south of inner city. It also contains faculties such as:

Chalmers Lindholmen University College

IT University of Göteborg

If you want to do a shorter course, for example a language course or pottery course:

Medborgarskolan

Folkuniversitetet

Vuxenskolan

Sensus

Buy

The main shopping center is Nordstan. It's located next to Brunnsparken and it is connected to the central train station. It has many outlets with international companies such as Esprit, Vero Moda and Swedish companies such as H&M, Åhléns City, Rock, Nordic Design etc.

Close to Nordstan is the smaller shopping center Arkaden, with a number of fashion boutiques.

Bengans, Stigbergstorget 1, [60]. A big, famous Swedish record store with lots of records, old and new, in all kinds of genres. You will find something to buy here, no matter if you're a record collector, hipster, or chart music fan. They also have a cafe.

There is a regular bus service to Ikea and other "big box" warehouses just outside the city.

Events

February: Gothenburg Film Festival[61]. Every year in February, the town is invaded by cinema buffs for the annual Gothenburg Film Festival. The festival, which is growing every year, is now one of the major Scandinavian movie festivals.

May: West Pride (earlier called LGBTQ Festival) [62]. Since 2007 Gothenburg has its own Pride festival. During that time the whole city is covered with rainbow colors.

August: Kulturkalaset[64] (earlier called Göteborgskalaset). City-festival featuring musical performances, a wide array of foreign food booths and lots and lots of beer. Massive public drunkenness and under-aged intoxication has made the city council consider to cancel the whole thing. If you stay off the absolute city-centre like the Avenue (Avenyn) you may find interesting parties and activities though.

December: Julstaden, Gotheburgs Christmas celebration. The city centre is filled with Christmas lights and various activities. The event has become a popular tourist attraction.

Sport events

Once a year during july, football playing youths from more than 50 countries take part in Gothia Cup, the world's biggest football tournament with over 1,000 teams.

Göteborgsvarvet, [66] is half a marathon (21 km) which is run in May in central Gothenburg once a year, with more than 30,000 participants.

On weekends during season Ullevi stadium hosts soccer games featuring one or two of the local teams IFK Göteborg, Örgryte IS or GAIS. The fourth major team, Häcken, plays at Rambergsvallen.

At Scandinavium hockey stadium the local team Frölunda Indians plays games every week during season.

On occasion you can see wrestling[67] on different locations in Gothenburg.

Eat

The main restaurant street in Gothenburg is Linnégatan running from Järntorget to Linnéplatsen. It has a high concentration of good restaurants of all kinds in the low to moderate price range.

Most restaurants offer lunch menus ranging 60-80 SEK, mostly they are served between 11:30 and 14:00.

Budget

Pizzeria Kastell, Kastellgatan 15. The best kebab in Gothenburg. Take Tram 2 from Centralstationen towards Högsbotorp and get off at Brunnsgatan. Alternatively, take Tram 6 from Centralstationen towards Kortedala and stop at "Olivedalsgatan". Cheap/Massive amount of kebab. Kebabrulle(kebab roll) is highly recommended. 65SEk and taste incredible. Pizzas are very good, large enough for two people to share, and range from 50-100SEK. Staff is extremely friendly, but speaks little English and only accept cash (no cards).

Café Hängmattan, Karljohansgatan 16. The best vegetarian buffet in the city.

Maharani Första Långgatan 4, Indian food in a cozy atmosphere. Starters for 30-40 SEK and main courses for about 110 SEK.

Bombay Palace Södra Vägen 19, serves tasty Indian food in a good atmosphere. Seating arrangement is not so good, but the food will leave you happy. A 3 course meal could cost up to 150-180 SEK (without alcohol).

Salwa's Falafel Express / Sunset Falafel Kungstorget. Very nice falafels are to be found in two mobile stalls. A falafel is 30 SEK.

Feskekôrka. The fish market is not only a nice tourist attraction, but all fishmongers offer fantastic fish dishes to take away at low low prices (50-60SEK). Make sure you try the fish soup sold at the last booth, under the restaurant.

Grillköket Jonsborg på Avenyn At the corner of Kungsportavenyn and Engelbrektsgatan, across the street from the Elite Park Avenue Hotel. Make a stop here for some traditional Gothenburg street food. The Halv Special is a hot dog served on a grilled bun topped with a mound of mashed potatoes. For those adventurous, this dish can be topped with shrimp salad.

Mid-range

Pasta e contorni, Nordensköldsgatan 21. Italian.

Etc, Etc comes in two flavours - "Etc Grande" at Kungsgatan 12 and "Etc" at Vasaplatsen 12 where the later is smaller and cozier but doesn't serve quite as many. Serves fantastic pasta in various flavours. [68]

L'Assassino, Andra Långgatan 35, [76]. Buffet for free (included with the purchase of a beer), beer 29SEK, small buffet, starts at 5PM.

King's head, Andra Långgatan 32. Buffet for free (included with the purchase of a beer), beer 32SEK, very good buffet, mostly vegetarian food, the buffet is served between 5-7PM.

Drink

In the summertime there are outdoor serving along Avenyn and Linnégatan.

You can pick up the free Nöjesguiden and Djungeltrumman magazines in various stores to read more about Gothenburg's nightlife. They are only available in Swedish though.

Ölhallen 7:an, Kungstorget 7, +46 31-136079. One of the best places for good beer, and the only traditional "Beer-hall" left in the city. It is situated next to Saluhallen.

The Rover, Andra långgatan 12, close to Järntorget, is a freehouse known for its knowledgeable staff. Specializes in Swedish micros on tap and US micros on bottle. Has Gothenburg's second largest selection of whisky (according to local newspaper G.P.), including the Swedish brand "Mackmyra".

Sejdeln, Andra Långgatan 28. When Kellys is packed Sejdeln is a perfectly adequate option, it's right next to Kellys and has even cheaper beer and roughly the same clientele.

Kings Head, Andra Långgatan 32. On this street well known for its cheap pubs and porn stores, this pub is an alternative for those who wants to spend time in a little more sophisticated environment. The clientele is more well adjusted in this place.

Dancin Dingo, Australian pub on a street parallel to Avenyn. "Throw another shrimp on the barbie, mate!"

Ölrepubliken. A good selection of beers on tap with a bias toward british and belgian beers, this pub is an excellent alternative to the mid centre locations. Found not far from Kronhusbodarna a couple of hundred meters from Nordstan.

Bitter Linnégatan 59, one of the best bars in town if you want drinks rather than beer.

The Bishops Arms A chain of English pubs. In Gothenburg there are three located at Kungsportsavenyn 36, Västra Hamngatan 3 and Järntorget. Good selection of beer on tap and fine single malt whiskey. A bit pricier than other pubs.

Rockbaren A traditional rockbar located in a parallel street to Avenyn, just across from Dancin Dingo.

Taverna, Mariaplan (mariaplan). Crazy after work joint in bohemian area. Night club weekends.

Port du soleil, Packhusplatsen 11 (At the riverside, W of Operan and Nordstaden), ☎0761998124, [78]. thu-sat: 18.00 - 03.00. Only open during summer.. Great really professional summer-club with house music.

Clubs

There are several different clubs in Gothenburg, with a wide array of music styles.

Haket, Masthuggstorget/Första Långgatan 32. Indie pop/goth. Often arranges theme nights, with music, videos and even drinks featuring a certain artist. Hosts Monochrome [79], a long-running Goth club the first Saturday every month. Haket is also a restaurant and bar, with an excellent selection of microbrewed beers.

Cafés

Gothenburg has a vast array of cafés practically everywhere. In the district Haga (near Järntorget) you can find a lot of nice cafés. Try the big Kanelbulle (Cinnamon bun). But be quick, usually they are sold out around 4 or 5 pm.

Guldhedens vattentorn. A little nice café placed on top of an old water tower. You get a good view of Gothenburg and around. Take Tram 10 to Doktor Sydows gata, or a bus 42, 52 to Syster Estrids gata. During January and February only open on Saturday and Sunday.

Rosenkaféet, Slussgatan 1, ☎+46(0)31-802970, [86]. A cosy café in the picturesque park Trädgårdsföreningen in the city centre of Gothenburg. Here you can have both lunch and dinner (also vegetarian alternatives such as pies, sandwiches and pancakes) in the middle of the beautiful collection of roses.

Sleep

Budget

Many Youth Hostels only offer their lowest prices to members of STF or IYHF.

Great Living, +46 31-12 06 21, [87]. They offer private accommodation. The owners can profit from their home, even when they are away, and companies and individuals can gain access to a different type of accommodation during their visit. All apartments are located in the central of Gothenburg.

Kärralund Camping Youth Hostel. Located 2.5 km from Liseberg amusement park, the prices start at 345 SEK (one time entry to Liseberg included during summer) but they are a lot higher during peak months.

Backpackers Göteborg, Vegagatan 19, ☎0313134350, [90]. checkin: 14-18; checkout: 11. The meetingpoint in Göteborg for travellers. Lodging in modern dormitories (with free WiFi, comfortable hotel beds with lockers under each bed and curtains to guarantee privacy) Access to exclusive new tiled bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Open 24/7 all year195-245.

The Tourist Bureau just off Avenyn organises an excellent private home B&B service.

Mid-range

Hotel Riverton, Stora Badhusgatan 26, +46 31-750 10 00 [91]. Hotel, restaurant and Sky bar with a beautiful view of the harbour. Close to the Casino. Shopping and restaurants just around the corner.

Hôtel Eggers, Drottningtorget, +46 31-333 44 40 (fax +46 31-333 44 49) [93]. Located right by the train station, with nearly 150 years of history.

Hotel Gothia Towers[94]. Scandinavia’s largest hotel, with top class rooms and four popular bars and restaurants. Gourmet restaurant Heaven 23 is on the 23rd floor with an unbeatable view of Göteborg. Try their huge shrimp sandwich!

Novotel Göteborg, Novotel Göteborg is a modern hotel with all services and facilities, and is located at the entrance to the Port of Gothenburg.

Hotel Royal, Drottninggatan 67, [95]. A classy, centrally located hotel that was founded in 1852.

Hotel Poseidon, Storgatan 33, [96]. A family owned, 49-room hotel perfectly located in the city center. Trams stop a block away at Vasaplatsen and the popular Kungsportsavenyn is just a few blocks in the other direction. Wireless internet is included as well as a great breakfast.

Splurge

Avalon Hotel, Kungstorget 9, +46 (0)31-7510200. [97]. Located near the city center and meters from Kungsportplatsen.

Clarion Hotel Post, Drottningtorget 10 (On the square just south of the central station.), ☎+46 (0)31-619050 (reservations.post@choice.se), [98]. This highly designed former post office turned hotel have quickley become the flagship in town, opening just this winter. With 500 rooms, including three suits this is one of the biggest also. Includes high-end restaurants, own spa, rooftop pool and even home-brewed beer. They also have a hughley popular after-work. Just don't expect a quiet lobby!Prices starts at 1200 SEK on weekends and 1600 SEK weekdays.

Stay safe

Most crimes against tourists are crimes of opportunity, such as pick-pocketing, bicycle theft, auto theft and auto vandalism. As always, do not leave valuable items in your car or in a cloakroom, and watch your bag in crowded places. Most shops and all major taxi companies accept credit and debit cards, so there is no need to carry a lot of cash.
Downtown Gothenburg is plagued by illegal taxis by night, and they are considered very unsafe, especially for women. Generally speaking, crime rates in Gothenburg are quite low from an international perspective.

The northern parts of the city (Angered, Hamarkullen, Kortedala, Bergsjön) as well as the outskirts of Hisingen are notorious for high crime-rates.

Göteborgs Moské[106], Myntgatan 8. This newly built mosque, with its beautiful cross between Islamic architecture and modern design, is a must go to for architectural fans.

Get out

Near Gothenburg is the beautiful southern archipelago. There's a resident population on most islands, so ferries run all year. Private cars are not allowed. Take tram 11 (or 9 in summer) to Saltholmen, and then one of the ferries to Styrsö, Köpstadsö or any of the other islands. Here you can swim in the ocean, buy ice cream and maybe eat at the restaurants on Brännö, Styrsö or Vrångö. Be warned that the tram is packed with people on sunny summer days, especially when the 9 doesn't run, and going by car isn't better since you are unlikely to find a parking place. The ferries, however, usually make extra tours such days.

Styröbolaget provide a folder
[107] with more information about the islands.

Älvsborgs fortress (Älvsborgs fästning) from the 17th century was built on an island to protect the city from being attacked from the sea. Tourist boats [108] make the trip regularly during summer.

Vinga - the last outpost before the sea and the place where Evert Taube (a famous Swedish poet) grew up.

Gunnebo House and Gardens [[109]], in the neighbouring municipality of Mölndal, is a large 18th century wooden mansion built in the neo-classical style with Rococo interiors set in a Baroque park. There is a restaurant, a gift shop, guided tours and annual markets in the autumn and at Christmas.

Tjolöholm Castle, in Kungsbacka municipality south of Gothenburg, is an anachronistic Tudor castle built in the years around 1900 for the Scottish-Swedish merchant and factory owning family Dickson, one of Gothenburg's many generous donors (they founded Gothenburg's first public library and built decent homes for the families of their factory staff).